A Cinderella story in the enchanted land of patents

On that fateful night, Cinderella knew every magical accoutrement conjured by her fairy godmother would abruptly vanish at the stroke of midnight. In the equally intangible world of patents, there is another 'Cinderella' — a demure, unappreciated, hard-working character that, like the beloved Cinderella, has an unforgiving curfew. I am referring to the Provisional patent ...